Definition ∞ Stake-weighted consensus is a mechanism where participants’ influence on network decisions is proportional to the amount of digital assets they hold and commit as collateral. This approach, notably seen in Proof of Stake (PoS) systems, allows validators with larger stakes to have a greater chance of proposing and validating new blocks, thereby contributing more significantly to the network’s security and transaction finality. It incentivizes honest behavior by risking a portion of their staked assets if they act maliciously. This mechanism contrasts with computational power-based consensus.
Context ∞ Stake-weighted consensus is a central topic in crypto news, especially concerning the environmental impact and scalability of blockchain networks. The discussion often compares its efficiency and security properties against other consensus models. A key development to watch is the ongoing research into further decentralizing stake distribution and preventing undue influence from large holders.